Meet Phyllis Pilgrim

Author Phyllis Pilgrim will be joining us at Glen Ivy Hot Springs on Thursday, February 25 to share her compelling story about her childhood experiences as a prisoner of war during WWII in Java with her mother and brother in Japanese internment camps for women and children. Join us at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Winter Lounge as Phyllis shares her story of survival and courage, answers questions, and tells how her early experiences provided the insight to shape her adult life and career choices.

Glen Ivy will be featuring Phyllis' book The Hidden Passport, My Childhood Journey Through Japanese Concentration Camps in Java for sale in our retail store. Be sure to stop by to meet Phyllis and hear her amazing story.

Phyllis is currently a yoga instructor at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, where she also teaches and directs the "Specialty and Spirit Week" programs. For more information about Phyllis and her book, please visit her website at http://www.phyllispilgrim.com/.

A Proposal in Paradise

Once upon a time there was a man named Alex and a woman named Cynthia. A few weeks ago Alex called Glen Ivy Hot Springs Spa to arrange the perfect proposal in paradise. Yesterday was the big day and Alex had everything planned - they enjoyed time together in their cabana, ate lunch, and then Cynthia enjoyed a pedicure and manicure (so she could show off her new sparkly ring later with perfectly polished nails - Alex was so thoughtful!). While the couple was enjoying their Grotto experience, the cabana staff sprinkled rose petals around the cabana and set up the champagne and chocolate covered strawberries just the way Alex had wanted. When they arrived back at their cabana Cynthia was pleasantly surprised as Alex proposed. And she said YES! We are so excited for Alex and Cynthia and we were thrilled to be a part of such a wonderful moment in their love story.

Do you have a Glen Ivy love story? Please share by leaving a comment below!

If you want to plan a special day for two at the spa, please give us a call at 888-GLEN IVY.

Do You Know How to Brow?

If eyes are the windows to the soul then eyebrows are the frames. Creating a brow shape that is right for your face shape and the kind of eyebrow you have to work with is key to achieving a polished look. Most of us are nervous about attempting to shape our own brows, so consulting with a professional about shape, color, size, and maintenance will ensure that you achieve the look you want.

On Saturday, Febraury 6 at Glen Ivy Hot Springs in Corona, we'll have a "How to Brow" event with appointments from 11-4 so you can get a one-on-one consultation with a pro. The cost to reserve an appointment is $10, which can be applied toward any gloTherapeutics or gloMinerals purchase (like maybe a new brow kit or brush?).

I sat down with Glen Ivy Skincare Product Specialist, Justyne Balthazor, to get some insight into the brow shaping and here's what I learned:

Q:Why should I get my eyebrows waxed/shaped?
A: Since your eyebrows frame your face, well formed eyebrows will help to balance the face while accentuating the eyes. You want your brows to compliment your face and best features not to distract from them. [But hey, why not make your brows your best feature?!]

Q: How often do I need to get my eyebrows waxed/shaped?
A: You can tweeze unwanted hairs inbetween waxings, but don't go overboard. Maintain their shape by seeing a professional every 2-3 weeks. Consider it part of your beauty routine, just like regular haircuts, color, and mani/pedi appointments.

Q: Should brow waxing be done before or after a facial?
A: You should have your eyebrows or any other facial waxing done before your facial. This will ensure that you receive maximum benefit from the products used in your facial service.

Q:What is the difference between tweezing and waxing?
A: Waxing is more effective for shaping the brow. Waxing will remove even the smallest of hairs and will help you acheive a cleaner look. Don't put those tweezers away yet, though - keep them around for getting rid of stray hairs.

Q: Why do I break out around my eyebrows after I get them waxed?
A:Waxing pulls the hair directly from its follicle. The absent hair leaves an open follicle that is susceptible to oil and bacteria. A day or two after your service, I suggest using a light exfoliant like gloTherapeutics Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub.

Justyne also suggests that the shape of your brow stay as natural as possible and that the distance between your brows should be equal to the size of one of your eyes.

Do you have any other brow related questions? Let us know and we'll ask the expert.

"Something for Your Tweetie" Twitter Contest

Make sure to check Glen Ivy's Twitter feed January 28-February 5 for a chance to win a 2-for-1 admission pass to the Hot Springs! All you have to do is re-tweet our daily tweet to be eligible. Yes, it's that easy! A random winner will be picked each day and contacted. So make your Valentine's Day gift shopping a little easier and post away for your chance to win Something for your Tweetie!

Click HERE to follow GlenIvySpas on Twitter!

P.S-Check your email for details about the sweet deal on Glen Ivy gift cards or click HERE to purchase online!

Look and Feel Your Best for Your Big Day

Attention all you brides out there! Are you feeling a little overwhelmed with the wedding planning process? While you no doubt have a ton of things on your wedding to-do list, one thing a bride must do: RELAX and enjoy this special time! As someone who recently tied the knot, I know all too well the amount of time and energy that goes into planning a wedding, so hopefully I can help to alleviate some stress with a few suggestions:

• Set up a series of facial appointments to get your skin ready for all those pictures! Your esthetician can recommend the best products to help you work toward your skincare goals at home.
  
• Your wedding is a special time to enjoy with friends and family so make sure you get quality time together. How about asking your future mother-in-law or sister-in-law to join you for your next mani/pedi appointment?


• Schedule massages to work out those tie-the-knots in you shoulders. I'd highly recommend the Stress Reliever!
  
• Want a natural-looking tan? Try the Infinity Spray Tan at our Brea location to get an all over, even glow for the big day.


• Need flawless makeup for engagement photos, the bridal shower or The Big Day? Call us to schedule your appointment in Brea.
  
• Grab your best girls and spend an entire day relaxing in one of our cabanas at the Hot Springs. Cabanas are perfect for bridal showers and bachelorette parties - call and ask for Georgia and she'll help you plan your day. Your cabana concierge will take care of your party all day so everyone can simply relax and enjoy!
  
• Bring your fiance to the spa for some quality time together. Leave the bridal magazines and checklists at home and take a day for just the two of you to enjoy each other's company.
  

If you're still in planning mode and want to check out some great vendors, make sure to stop by the Brea Bridal Show on January 30 from 11-3 to get some inspiration, vendor contacts, and of course, visit Glen Ivy's booth for a chance to win some pre-wedding pampering prizes!

We'll also be at the following bridal shows coming up so stop by to say hello:
Jan. 31 - Coyote Hills Bridal Show (Fullerton, CA)
Feb. 18 - Corona Public Library Bridal Show (Corona, CA)

We'd love to hear from you: Have you been to a bridal shower or bachelorette party at Glen Ivy? What's your special memory of wedding festivities at Glen Ivy?

Jumpstart Your Resolution with a Healthy Recipe

The New Year is underway and that means that those resolutions you made are in effect! If you're worried about sticking to your resolution of eating healthy or staying fit have no fear, our own Chef Bill is here to help keep you on track with some healthy recipes that you're sure to enjoy--like this recipe for Kashmir Apple and Cucumber Salad!

Kashmir Apple and Cucumber Salad

(Yields 6 servings)

Ingredients:

2 English cucumbers, peel only [1] and chop both in large dice
1 Granny Smith apple core and dice large
1 Red delicious apple core and dice large
1/2 cup red grapes, washed and stemmed
1/2 cup green seedless grapes, washed and stemmed
2 tablespoons fresh mint chiffonade


1 teaspoon orange zest
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
1/2 plain non-fat yogurt
1/4 cup orange juice
1 tablespoon orange blossom honey
2 tablespoons of walnuts
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
2 tablespoons fresh mint chiffonade

Method:

Prepare the first 6 ingredients and place in a bowl. Place the remaining ingredients for the dressing in a blender to combine and toss together with the cucumber mix. Serve immediately or refrigerate and chill for an hour before service.

Stay tuned for more of Chef Bill's recipes to keep you healthy and fit throughout 2010!

New Year's Resolution Contest Winner

After receiving a large number of entries, the winner of the New Year's Resolution Contest is....Mary S. of San Diego! Her personal story was extremely touching and inspiring. A self-proclaimed Glen Ivy "addict," Mary is a true supporter of Glen Ivy and we couldn't be more excited to help her fulfill her resolution in 2010. Her story is a true testament to how having a positive and determined attitude can be life changing.

Thank you to everyone who sent in your New Year's Resolutions! We hope that you all put your intentions into actions and keep your resolutions in 2010! Make sure to check back each month to enter in our monthly blog contest!